SUGARLOAF TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Residents in Sugarloaf Township are raising concerns about potential large projects in their community. From data centers to a plastics plant and a power line, neighbors say they want answers and transparency.
Frustration filled the room at the Sugarloaf Township Supervisors' Meeting on Tuesday night.
Neighbors say they're not getting answers about projects that could reshape their community, from data centers to a plastics-to-fuel plant and the power line that would potentially connect them.
"All we ask is for that type of leadership, protection, courtesy, and transparency. It's all we want," Alliance to Stop the Line Founder John Zola told 28/22 News.
A lawsuit over the township's data center rules is currently moving through the legal process. That means supervisors can't comment on details, but they say they are listening to residents.
"This whole thing is difficult for everyone because this is something new. No one is ready for the data centers and all this stuff, so everyone is trying to work together, and it's just unfortunate that we can't talk about it at this point in time," Sugarloaf Township Supervisor Joe Disabella stated.
Residents say these projects are already affecting daily life, and they want community and environmental concerns to come first.
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"This has changed our lives. It's ruining some of our lives. And we really haven't had a whole lot of help from our public officials," Zola explained.
Community watchdogs warn that the data centers, plastics plant, and power lines are all connected, and that the decisions made now could affect the future of the township.
"If you put the people first, progress will follow, but if you put profits first, our community will pay the price," a local resident said.
Even former leaders are weighing in, calling for public health and transparency to guide decision-making.
"I just really hope that this board does the right thing and really puts the people and the environment first," Former Conyngham Mayor Tricia Marnell told 28/22 News.
Residents say they won't stop attending meetings and asking questions.
Residents will get another chance to speak at a follow-up meeting planned in the next two weeks as the township continues to navigate legal and community questions.
